The Countryside and Open Spaces service is responsible for a number of functions within the district. Below is an outline of our areas of responsibility. Please also browse the links for the rest of these pages for more information on the various aspects of our service.
Our countryside team works hard to conserve and enhance the district's special landscape and wildlife. Working closely with land owners, local communities and partner organisations, we manage a number of important local sites, provide advice on countryside issues and develop opportunities for access and enjoyment of the area. More information on this service can be found on the Wildlife Reserves page.
Members of the countryside team also deal extensively with a number of volunteers who assist with community projects, local nature reserve management, wildlife, ecological advice and a whole range of other projects which protect and enhance access to and quality of our environment.
In addition the service is responsible for grounds maintenance of the many areas in the District which the council directly own. This consists of regular grass cutting, hedge pruning and shrub bed maintenance mainly in the urban areas of the District. For more information and contact details please see our Grounds Maintenance page.
The service is also responsible for the management of the Council's tree stock. This includes many individual trees as well as wooded areas. We undertake regular inspections of the tree stock and carry out both proactive and reactive maintenance works as necessary. For more information about council owned trees please see our Tree Management page.
Play areas owned and operated by the Council are also maintained and inspected by the Countryside and Open Spaces service. More details, including contact information can be found on our Play Areas page.
